Rodarte S/S 2010

Flight of the Condor stimulates Rodarte. American designers Kate and Laura Mulleavy were inspired by a trip to Death Valley and intrigued with the North American bird, the California Condor. They assimilated this motivation with their avant-garde and futuristic technique in the creation of this collection. In each piece there was a great amount of attention to detail with the fastidiously draped fabrics that were torn apart and distressed. A process that also included meticulous handwork with fabrics that were scorched with flames, sandpapered, tie-dyed, embroidered and scattered with crystals. This was definitely not a collection that was created overnight and it took two creative masterminds to create each delightful piece. Leather and wool fringes trailed a few pieces that resembling the vultures wings. Various fabrics of plaid, silk, cheesecloth, wool and leather were seen in each the collection and in some pieces were all combined in one piece. Kate and Laura Mulleavy gives a distinctive collection that was beautiful and unique.

The event was held at the downtown Gagosian Gallery, on west 21st street, in the midst of a dramatic smoke from dry ice that set a gothic tone. The soundtrack was by independent pop band Papercuts single, “future primitive.” Opening the show was model Anastasia Kuznetsova in a dress with fabrics of silk, cheese cloth and plaid paired with a braided leather belt with a silver claw buckle. Every piece in the collection had a personal touch from the Mulleavy duo with great attention to every touch of fabric almost comparable to the works of the French haute couturier, not exact but with some enjoyable American edge and ideas. Plaid was seen mixed in various pieces of sandpapered silk, braided lace and leather. The look was very strong and with every girl displaying temporary tribal tattoos on the arms and hair pulled back.

Enjoyable pieces in the collection were the finale gowns decorated in black feathers on the shoulders and black wool fringe trailing the back. There Nicholas Kirkwood heels were also incredible.

Kate and Laura Mulleavy have definitely brought futurism, a wonderful idea and the French haute couture touch and have created a marvelous collection. This collection was definitely one the strongest collections of the season. The Rodarte women is strong and ready to take flight like a vulture this next spring season. -Brent Billiman, New York City, USA.



Luca Bruno Photo: Model Karlie Kloss for Rodarte S/S 2010


Luca Bruno Photo: Model Elsa Sylvan for Rodarte S/S 2010


Luca Bruno Photo: Model Frida Gustavsson for Rodarte S/S 2010


Luca Bruno Photo: Model Mirte Maas for Rodarte S/S 2010


Luca Bruno Photo: Model Sasha Pivovarova for Rodarte S/S 2010


Luca Bruno Photo: Model Eniko Mihalik for Rodarte S/S 2010


Luca Bruno Photo: Model Freja Beha Erichsen for Rodarte S/S 2010


Luca Bruno Photo: Model Madisyn Ritland for Rodarte S/S 2010